Shipping to and from Mali

Limark in Mali

Connecting Mali across Africa and beyond

Limark has been a trusted logistics partner in Mali for years, understanding the nuances of trade in this dynamic West African nation. Our extensive experience navigating Mali’s unique customs regulations and diverse transportation network ensures your cargo moves efficiently across borders, connecting you to key regional and international markets.

With our established presence in over 40 African countries, we offer unparalleled reach and flexibility for your Malian shipments. Whether you’re exporting Mali’s sought-after gold, cotton, or livestock, or importing essential machinery and consumer goods, we provide comprehensive logistics solutions to optimize your supply chain.

Import regulations

Importing goods to Mali requires navigating specific procedures and documentation. Here’s a breakdown of the essential requirements:

Regulations and restrictions

Product categories requiring import licenses/permits

Food and Agricultural Products

Cereals (rice, wheat, maize): Import licenses from the Ministry of Agriculture are required to ensure food security and price stability.
Sugar: Import licenses are necessary due to the strategic importance of this commodity and to protect domestic production.
Vegetable Oils: Licenses are required to control the quality and origin of imported oils.
Meat and Poultry: Health certificates and import permits are required to safeguard public health and prevent the spread of animal diseases.
Dairy Products: Import licenses and health certificates are required to ensure the safety and quality of imported dairy products.

Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices

Medicines: Marketing authorization (AMM) from the Ministry of Health and Social Development is mandatory.
Medical Devices: Registration with the Ministry of Health is required.
In Vitro Diagnostic Devices (IVDs): A separate registration process with the National Laboratory of Health (LNS) is necessary

Chemicals and Hazardous Materials

Industrial Chemicals: Import permits are required from the Ministry of Environment, Sanitation, and Sustainable Development
Pesticides: Special authorization from the Plant Protection Directorate is needed
Hazardous Materials: Strict adherence to international transport regulations (ADR, IMDG, IATA) is required

Weapons and Ammunition

Firearms and Ammunition: Import licenses from the Ministry of Security and Civil Protection are mandatory
Explosives: Special authorization is required for importing explosives for industrial or mining purposes

Telecommunications Equipment

Mobile Phones and Accessories: Type approval from the Regulatory Authority for Posts and Telecommunications (ARPT) is required.
Network Equipment: Import licenses may be required for specific types of network equipment.

Vehicles

New Vehicles: Import permits are required from the Ministry of Economy and Finance.
Used Vehicles: Strict age restrictions apply, and pre-shipment inspection may be required.

Prohibited and restricted imports

Absolute prohibitions

Narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances
Pornographic and obscene materials
Counterfeit and pirated goods
Hazardous waste (Basel Convention)
Ozone-depleting substances (Montreal Protocol)
Asbestos
Landmines and cluster munitions
Conditional Prohibitions (require special permits):
Weapons and ammunition
Explosives
Radioactive materials
Certain chemicals and pesticides
Restricted Imports (subject to specific conditions):
Used clothing
Right-hand drive vehicles
Live animals and animal products
Plants and plant products
Tobacco and tobacco products
Alcoholic beverages
Gambling equipment

Relevant agencies

Customs Directorate of Mali
Ministry of Economy and Finance
Ministry of Agriculture
Ministry of Health and Social Development
Ministry of Environment, Sanitation, and Sustainable Development
Ministry of Security and Civil Protection
Ministry of Industry and Commerce
Regulatory Authority for Posts and Telecommunications (ARPT)
Plant Protection Directorate
National Laboratory of Health (LNS)

Demurrage and detention

Free Time

Typically 3 to 7 days after the container is discharged, but this can vary depending on the shipping line and port.
Check the specific free time terms in your Bill of Lading or contract.

Demurrage charges

Calculated per container, per day
Rates vary depending on the shipping line, container size, and time elapsed
Escalation clauses may apply after a certain period

Detention charges

Separate from demurrage charges.
Applied when the container is held beyond the agreed-upon time for return to the shipping line.
Rates vary depending on the shipping line and container size.

Storage Limitations

Ports have limited container storage capacity.
Containers not cleared in time may be moved to off-dock depots at additional cost.

Calculation Methods

Demurrage and detention charges are calculated based on calendar days, not working days.
Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays are included in the calculation.

Required import documentation

Commercial Invoice

Detailed description of goods (including HS codes, brand, model, etc.)
Quantity, weight, and unit price of goods
Total invoice value in USD or XOF
Incoterms (International Commercial Terms)
Payment terms (e.g., letter of credit, cash against documents)
Full details of the consignee and consignor

Packing List

Detailed list of all items in each package
Description, quantity, weight, and dimensions of each item
Package markings and numbers

Bill of Lading/Airway Bill

Evidence of the contract of carriage between the shipper and carrier
Details of the shipment, including the consignee, consignor, and port of loading/discharge
Number and type of packages
Gross weight and measurement of the cargo

Certificate of Origin

Issued by the Chamber of Commerce in the exporting country
Declares the origin of the goods
Required for preferential tariff treatment under trade agreements (e.g., ECOWAS)

Import Declaration Form (IDF)

Submitted through the ASYCUDA World system
Requires detailed information about the shipment, importer, and goods
Import License/Permit (for regulated goods):
Issued by the relevant government agency
Mandatory for specific products as mentioned above

Pre-Shipment Inspection Certificate (PSI)

Required for shipments valued over USD 2,500
Issued by an authorized inspection company (e.g., Bureau Veritas, SGS)
Verifies the quality, quantity, and value of the goods before shipment

Other Certificates

Phytosanitary certificate (for plants and plant products)
Health certificate (for animals and animal products)
Certificate of analysis (for chemicals and food products)
CITES permit (for endangered species)

Import licenses and permits

Identify the Regulating Agency:

Determine the specific ministry or agency responsible for your goods based on the product category.

Gather Required Documents:

Proforma invoice or commercial contract
Technical specifications and data sheets (if applicable)
Certificates of origin, analysis, quality, etc
Business registration documents and tax clearance certificates
Any additional documentation specific to the product or agency

Submit Application:

Complete the import permit application form
Submit the application along with the required documents and fees to the relevant agency
Applications are typically submitted online or in person

Processing and Approval:

The application will be reviewed and processed by the agency.
The processing time varies depending on the product and agency, but it can take several weeks.
If approved, the import permit/license will be issued.

Validity and Renewal:

The validity period of import permits varies depending on the product and agency.
Renewal procedures involve submitting a new application with updated documents before the expiry date.

Costs

Import permit fees vary depending on the product and agency.
Additional costs may include inspection fees, testing fees, and translation fees.

Customs clearance procedures

Pre-arrival processing:

The importer or their agent lodges the import declaration (IDF) through the ASYCUDA World system before the shipment’s arrival.
Customs performs a risk assessment to determine the need for inspection.

Arrival and Unloading:

The vessel or aircraft arrives at the port or airport.
The cargo is unloaded and placed in customs control.

Document Verification and Duty Assessment:

Customs verifies the submitted documents, including the commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, certificate of origin, import permit, and PSI (if applicable).
Import duties, taxes, and fees are calculated based on the HS code, value, and origin of the goods.

Payment of Duties and Taxes:

The importer or their agent pays the assessed amount
Payment methods may include bank transfers, cash, or electronic payments

Inspection (if required):

Customs may select shipments for physical inspection based on risk assessment.
Inspections may involve verifying the goods against the documents, checking the quality and quantity, and testing for compliance with standards.

Release of Goods:

If the shipment complies with all regulations and requirements, and duties/taxes are paid, customs releases the goods for delivery to the importer.

Port/Terminal operations

Major Seaports

Dakar Port (Senegal): The primary transit port for Malian imports due to its landlocked status.

Air Cargo Hub

Modibo Keita International Airport (Bamako): The main airport for air cargo imports.

Cut-off dates

Vary depending on the shipping line and port of destination.
It is crucial to confirm the cut-off dates with your shipping agent or freight forwarder well in advance to avoid delays

Documentation Requirements at Terminals

Ensure all required documents are in order before the shipment’s arrival to prevent delays or penalties.
Have copies of the bill of lading, commercial invoice, packing list, import permit (if applicable), and other relevant certificates readily available for customs inspection.

Container Pickup/Drop-off and Storage

Coordinate with your shipping agent or freight forwarder for the smooth pickup and drop-off of containers at Dakar Port
Be aware of the free time allowance for container storage at the port to avoid demurrage charges
If necessary, explore off-dock container storage options for longer-term storage needs

Pre-Shipment Inspection (PSI):

PSI is mandatory for shipments valued over USD 2,500 and is conducted by authorized inspection companies like Bureau Veritas or SGS
The PSI verifies the quality, quantity, price, and customs classification of the goods before shipment
It helps prevent fraudulent practices and ensures compliance with Malian standards and regulations

Electronic Cargo Tracking Note (ECTN):

An electronic cargo tracking note (ECTN) or Bordereau de Suivi des Cargaisons (BSC) is mandatory for all shipments to Mali.
It must be obtained from the Council of Malian Shippers (CMM) before the shipment arrives at the port of entry.
The ECTN/BSC is used to track the movement of goods and facilitate customs clearance.

Customs Valuation

The customs value of imported goods is determined based on the transaction value, which is the price paid or payable for the goods when sold for export to Mali.
Customs may adjust the declared value if they believe it is not accurate.

Tariff Classification

Goods are classified according to the Harmonized System (HS) code
The HS code determines the applicable import duty rate and other taxes
It is essential to ensure the correct HS code is used to avoid delays and penalty

Disclaimer: This information is based on the latest available data and may be subject to change. Always consult with relevant authorities and experts for the most up-to-date and accurate information.

Export regulations

Get a detailed guide that provides an in-depth look into every aspect of the export process to ensure your goods are shipped efficiently and in compliance with all legal standards.

Regulations and restrictions

Product categories requiring export licenses/permits

Gold:

Mining License and Authorization: Exporters must possess a valid mining license and obtain authorization from the Ministry of Mines for each export shipment.
Export Permit: A specific export permit from the Ministry of Mines is required, detailing the quantity, value, and destination of the gold.
Certification: Gold must be assayed and certified by an accredited laboratory to determine its purity and quality.
Declaration of Origin: Exporters must provide a declaration of origin to certify that the gold is of Malian origin and not from conflict zones.

Cotton:

Export License: Exporters need a license from the Cotton Development Company (CMDT), a state-owned enterprise responsible for cotton production and marketing.
Quality Standards: Cotton exports must meet specific quality standards set by the CMDT to maintain Mali’s reputation in the international market.
Export Contracts: Exporters must register their export contracts with the CMDT.

Live Animals and Animal Products

Health Certificate: A health certificate issued by the Veterinary Services Directorate is mandatory for all live animals and animal product exports.
Veterinary Inspection: Animals must undergo a pre-export veterinary inspection to ensure they are free from diseases.
Quarantine Requirements: Some countries may have specific quarantine requirements for imported animals or animal products.

Plants and Plant Products

Phytosanitary Certificate: A phytosanitary certificate issued by the Plant Protection Directorate is required for all plant and plant product exports.
Inspection: Plant products may be subject to inspection to verify compliance with phytosanitary regulations.

Art and Cultural Artifacts

Export Permit: A permit from the Ministry of Culture is mandatory for exporting any art or cultural artifact
Valuation: The artifact must be valued by the National Directorate of Heritage (DNP) to determine its cultural and historical significance.
Restrictions: Some artifacts of significant national importance may be prohibited from export.

Prohibited and restricted exports

Prohibited Exports

Narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances
Pornographic and obscene materials
Counterfeit and pirated goods
Hazardous waste (Basel Convention)
Ozone-depleting substances (Montreal Protocol)
Weapons and ammunition (except with authorization from the Ministry of Defense)
Toxic chemicals and pesticides not registered or approved by the relevant authorities
Explosives (except for authorized industrial or mining use)
Human organs and tissues
Restricted exports (require specific permits and may have additional conditions):
Endangered species and products (CITES permits)
Live animals and animal products
Plants and plant products
Art and cultural artifacts
Certain minerals and gemstones
Raw hides and skins

Customs and documentation requirements

Required documents

Commercial Invoice: Must include a detailed description of goods (HS codes, brand, model, etc.), quantity, weight, unit price, total invoice value in USD or XOF, Incoterms, payment terms, and complete details of the consignee and consignor.

Packing List: Must provide a detailed list of all items in each package, including description, quantity, weight, dimensions, and package markings.

Bill of Lading/Airway Bill: Serves as evidence of the contract of carriage and contains details of the shipment, consignee, consignor, port of loading/discharge, number and type of packages, and gross weight and measurement of the cargo.

Certificate of Origin: Issued by the Chamber of Commerce in the exporting country, declaring the origin of the goods. It may be required for preferential tariff treatment under trade agreements.

Export Declaration Form (EXS): Submitted electronically through the Sydonia World system, providing detailed information about the shipment, including the exporter’s details, goods description, HS codes, value, and destination.

Export License/Permit (if applicable): Issued by the relevant government agency for regulated products.

Export Declaration Process

Registration: The exporter or their agent registers with the Customs Directorate and obtains an exporter code
Preparation of Documents: Gather all required documents, ensuring their accuracy and completeness
Submission of EXS: Complete and submit the EXS electronically through the Sydonia World system
Verification and Approval: Customs verifies the declaration and documents. If compliant, an export authorization is issued
Shipment: Proceed with the shipment of goods, providing the export authorization to the carrier

Required export certificates

Phytosanitary certificate: Issued by the Plant Protection Directorate for plant and plant products
Health Certificate: Issued by the Veterinary Services Directorate for live animals and animal products
Certificate of Analysis: Required for certain products, such as chemicals and food products, to verify their composition and compliance with standards.
CITES Permit: Issued by the National Directorate for the Protection of Nature (DNPN) for endangered species.

Terminal/Port operations

Major Ports

Dakar Port (Senegal): The primary transit port for Malian exports. It offers containerized cargo handling, bulk cargo facilities, and roll-on/roll-off (ro-ro) services.
Abidjan Port (Côte d’Ivoire): An alternative transit port for some exporters, offering similar services to Dakar Port.

Cut-off Times and Procedures

Vary depending on the shipping line, port of destination, and type of cargo
Cut-off times typically range from 24 to 72 hours before the vessel’s departure
Procedures include document submission, customs clearance, security screening, and container loading

Container Storage and Free Time

Both Dakar and Abidjan ports offer container storage facilities
Free time for storage usually ranges from 3 to 7 days after the container is discharged
Storage fees apply after the free time expires

Cargo handling and fees

Returning empty containers

Coordinate with your shipping line or agent to return empty containers to the designated depot.
Ensure timely return to avoid detention charges.

Duties, Taxes, and Fees

Export Duties: Generally, Mali does not impose export duties on most goods. However, specific export taxes or levies may apply to certain products (e.g., gold).
Other Fees: Customs processing fees, document handling charges, terminal handling charges, storage fees, and inspection fees may apply.

Expertise You Can Trust

Seamless cross-border shipping to and from Mali

Navigating Mali’s intricate import and export landscape can be a logistical labyrinth. At Limark, we’ve mastered the maze. Our deep understanding of Malian regulations and customs procedures ensures your shipments flow smoothly, arriving on time and intact. We don’t just deliver cargo; we deliver peace of mind.

When you partner with Limark, you’re not just choosing a logistics provider — you’re choosing a strategic ally invested in your success. Our streamlined processes and local expertise translate into cost savings and enhanced efficiency for your supply chain. Contact us today for a personalized consultation and discover how we can optimize your trade routes to and from Mali.

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Partner with experienced freight forwarders and customs brokers for seamless shipping to and from Mali. Ensure full documentation compliance with the guidance and logistics services of our team.